The Artsy Voyager

Friday, January 18, 2019

By Jacquelin Carnegie - (New York, NY) JANUARY/FEBRUARYFend off the winter blues in New York City with great theater:

OFF-BROADWAYFriendly Reminder: Off- and Off-Off Broadway shows have limited runs, so get tickets right away. For Tweens, Teens & Adults

If you missed this incredible presentation at The New Victory theater last year, luckily you have a second chance to see it. A reprise takes place at La Mama (Jan 24-Feb 3, 2019). Since it's such a short run, don't delay, get tickets now!

Ping Chong + Company's extraordinary presentation will make you laugh, it will make you cry, it will make you care.

For GENERATION NYZis a celebration of humanity's diversity and how we are all more similar than different. It is the story of seven amazing young adults who could have easily fallen through the cracks of life. Born into poverty, hopelessness, neglect, and confusion, each one of them--through a combination of personal perseverance, the kindness of strangers (teachers and mentors), and a splash of luck--saw a vision of what could be for themselves and forged ahead to actualize that dream. The cast represents the “gorgeous mosaic" of New York, celebrating their heritage--Black, Mexican, Puerto Rican, Caribbean, South Asian, and European--and the neighborhoods they grew up in: the South Bronx, West Harlem, Far Rockaway, Queens, and East New York, Brooklyn. This show is so dope, woke and cool, it should be extended. And, hopefully, filmed to be shown in every school and college across the country to give all kids who are dazed-and-confused an infusion of hope.

For Adults & Sophisticated TeensThe same goes for this mind-blowing show. If you missed it at The Public Theater about ten years ago, here's your chance to experience some extraordinary theater. It's a short run at NYU Skirball (Jan 23-Feb3, 2019), so get tickets today!

GATZNYU Skirball (566 LaGuardia Place); Until Feb. 3, 2019 Written by F. Scott Fitzgerald; Directed by John Collins; Performed by ERS' ensemble with Scott Shepherd as Nick. The theater company, Elevator Repair Service, pays homage to the written word--often to those of great American novelists--in fascinating and brilliantly-innovative productions. GATZ is ERS' acclaimed, not-to-be-missed, word-for-word enactment of The Great Gatsby. That's right--six hours of performance, worth every second, with its' committed ensemble of terrific actors. No more to be said, because part of the thrill of this show is experiencing the way it unfolds and sucks you in. Soon you are no longer listening to a novel being read, you are there on Long Island in West and East Egg with the beautiful, careless people. Practical: It lasts about 8 hours (the show, plus 2 intermissions & a dinner break). Bring a seat cushion, a back-support pillow, and believe in the green light!

In addition to some beautiful voices, this show delivers heart and soul. Adolescence is never easy, but when you're young, black, talented--and gay--life can throw you some extra-special curve balls. In the Manhattan Theatre Club's lovely presentation of CHOIR BOY, Jeremy Pope (Pharus), with the voice of an angel, is bedeviled by his classmates with their own set of issues. The tensions come to a boil in the "hothouse" setting of an exclusive boarding school--a prep school--for on-the-rise black boys. Pharus strives to become a man, his own person, and the leader of this extraordinary choir. J. Quinton Johnson (Bobby) is his tormented torturer, Caleb Eberhardt (David) his conflicted secret admirer, and John Clay III (AJ) the wise roomie who sets him "straight." A joyous night in the theater. Plus, the singing will knock your socks off.

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

By Jacquelin Carnegie – (Paris, France)Paris is a city filled with art everywhere you turn, not only in its famous museums, but also in some of the most unexpected places:1) IN A DEPARTMENT STOREGalerie des Galeries - Les Galeries Lafayette40 Blvd Haussmann; Tel: 01/42-82-81-98; www.galeriedesgaleries.com

GL, Au dela du vetement (photo:
Marc Domange)

9th arrondissement, Metro: Chaussée d'Antin(Open: Tues-Sun, 11am-7pm; Free)Shop till you drop, then proceed to the 1st floor of the Galeries Lafayette’s main building. Across from the designers’ section, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find the Galerie des Galeries, an exhibition space that presents established and emerging talent. Four annual exhibits showcase French and international artists, highlighting the relationship between fashion, the visual arts, and design. 2) IN A PARK

The Belleville neighborhood is a melting pot of cultures. In the park, at the top of a hill, is a lookout point decorated with wonderful street art, often the work of community projects. The park itself is beautiful, accessible from a staircase, then up winding pathways past vine-covered pergolas. It’s worth the climb for the street art and the spectacular views of Paris--yes, you can see the Eiffel Tower from here.

Ever wonder what it was like to be at Maxim’s in its heyday? Above the famous restaurant, there’s a recreated apartment of a Belle Époque courtesan. The 12 rooms are decorated with an exceptional collection of Art Nouveau objets d’art and furnishings by Tiffany, Gallé, Majorelle, Massier, and other notable artisans – all part of “La Collection 1900” presented by the restaurant’s current owner, renowned fashion designer Pierre Cardin. On the tour, you’ll see what entertaining was like during the Belle Époque.

(Open: Tues-Sat, 11am-7pm; Sun, 2-7pm; Free)Art lives at this snazzy hotel, renovated by famed designer Philippe Starck. The Art District Gallery puts on about four annual exhibits of contemporary work by important photographers, visual artists, and designers--retrospectives and premieres. The hotel also has an impressive art bookstore, La Librairie des Arts, and a dedicated “art concierge” to help guests get the most out of the Paris art scene.

In the chic Marais district, the Fondation Galeries Lafayette had starchitect Rem Koolhaas/OMA transform a 19-century department store warehouse into a truly cool new contemporary art, performance and exhibition space for local and international work. The space also serves as an "arts incubator"--providing artists the room to work on new creations. In addition to viewing exhibits & performances, you can take a fascinating architectural tour of the building. Afterwards, hangout in the lobby atrium, have an ultra-healthy snack at the Wild & the Moon cafe, and check out the trendy À Rebours boutique in the covered passageway that connects rue du Plâtre with rue Sainte-Croix-de-la-Bretonnerie.

Artist Jean Faucheur, founder of “The Wall” - Le M.U.R. (Modulable, Urbain, Réactif), came up with the concept of putting original works of art by contemporary, urban artists up on a wall on the rue Oberkampf in the 11th arrondissement. Every two weeks, the artwork changes. Since there are two great cafés, La Place Verte (105 rue Oberkampf), right in front of the wall, and the famous Café Charbon (109 rue Oberkampf), just behind it, you’ve got reason enough to stop by often to check out The Wall.

Les Frigos (photo: Mbzt/WikiCommons)

7)IN A NEIGHBORHOODLes Frigos19 rue des Frigos; www.les-frigos.com; 13th arrondissement, Metro: Bibliothèque François Mitterrand(Open: On Open House days or by appointment with one of the artists)

This former industrial area, on the Seine in the 13th arrondissement, was transformed into a neighborhood that looks like The Jetsons live here. One of the fewbuildings to survive gentrification is Les Frigos (The Refrigerators), a former storage depot for fresh produce brought into Paris by train. Now, it provides studio space for some 120 eclectic creatives. You can visit the artists' studios on Portes Ouvertes (Open House) days, usually at the end of May. At other times, certain artists hold Open Studio events. You can also view each artist’s work on the website and contact them directly. The fascinating sculptor, Jean-Paul Reti, is the unofficial “mayor” of Les Frigos and, if he’s not busy working on his art, he’s happy to explain the background of the building to visitors.

Johnnie Moore Hawkins' Heart On Sleeve Productions presents:Book by Jonothon Lyons; Music & Lyrics by Ben Bonnema; Directed by David Alpert; Starring: Jonothon Lyons, Amanda Ryan Paige, Jelani Remy & Teddy Yudain If the holiday season has gotten you in a bah-humbug mood, THE APPLE BOYS is the perfect antidote--rip-roaringly funny and pitch perfect. But the show offers much more than great harmonies, it's a nostalgic look back at Coney Island at the turn-of-the-20th-century. Back when: Nathan was still selling 5-cent hot dogs from a pushcart; The World’s Strongest Man hadn't yet won his title; the best roller coaster designer only had sketches, and Johnny Appleseed’s grandson was tending the family orchard in Brooklyn. These four terrific performers bring this period piece to life with innovative props, irreverent humor, and lots of good, old-fashioned fun! The joy of hearing a barbershop quartet never grows old. Cue the mustaches, the matching vests and straw hats!THE RESISTIBLE RISE OF ARTURO UIClassic Stage Company, 136 East 13th St; www.classicstage.org; Until Dec. 22, 2018Written by Bertolt Brecht; Directed by John Doyle; Starring: Raúl Esparza, George Abud, Eddie Cooper, Elizabeth A. Davis, Christopher Gurr, Omozé Idehenre, Mahira Kakkar, Thom Sesma

Raúl Esparza (photo: Joan Marcus)

Snug in his Berlin grave, playwright Bertolt Brecht should be thrilled that his 1941 chilling satire, ARTURO UI, has been re-staged by the infinitely-imaginative director John Doyle, the Classic Stage Company's Artistic Director. The play--it's Brecht, so depressingly prescient--detailing the evil, dare-doings of a Chicago mob is really about Adolf Hitler's rise to power (and now about the orange menace in the White House). Your flesh will crawl as chants of Sieg Heil morph into "Lock Her Up!" The drama is brought to life by a terrific and diverse ensemble cast--notably, Eddie Cooper (Roma), George Abud (Clark), Christopher Gurr (Dogsborough), and Thom Sesma (Givola)--led by the always-fantastic Raúl Esparza (Ui), who delivers a one-two punch to democracy and decency. Classic Stage Company consistently delivers terrific, larger-than-life productions in a small, intimate space. Theater fans, if you’re unfamiliar with CSC's work, it’s time to discover them!

Kudos to Playwrights Horizons and the Shakespeare Theatre Company for boldly presenting the cares and woes of immigrants on stage. While this particular production deals with the hopes and dreams of an Iraqi extended family--both Christian and Muslim--now living in New York, the sentiments expressed in NOURA are felt by all those who've been forced to flee their homeland due to political violence, war, and destruction. There is a cornucopia of mixed emotions: survivor's guilt; the thrill of starting a new life tinged with sadness for all that's been lost and left behind; and the underlying, heart-wrenching reality that even if one went back, "there is no there there"--the hometown or village has been destroyed and all the inhabitants have been scattered to the four winds. This is the situation for Noura, beautifully portrayed by the playwright herself, Heather Raffo. After eight years as refugees in America, she, her husband and young son have just received their U.S. passports. But, this happy rite of passage does nothing but stir up ghosts from the past for Noura. Iraqis lived in tight-knit communities; Americans--especially New Yorkers--thrive on anonymity. Even connecting with an old family friend and helping a young Iraqi refugee escape the destruction of Mosul and start a new life in the States does not bring solace. It's fascinating to watch an Iraqi's family life unfold on a New York stage. The ensemble cast is fantastic and Andrew Lieberman's set is perfection. This play is really worth seeing, but the playwright does need to go back to the drawing board for an ending.

While young blacks are being shot in cold blood all over America, a middle-class black family feels safe in their own comfy home--but not for long. Soon, cracks begin to form--literally and figuratively--in this perfect facade and safe haven: the confidant, career-woman, mother is getting divorced at home and harassed at work; the teenage daughter comes out, discovers love, lust, and activism, along with delusion and disappointment; the young son--dazed and confused--becomes more so. As the house literally falls apart, the family is visited by ghostly "spirits"--perhaps prophecies of the fate that awaits each one of them. Amid the chaos, De’Adre Aziza, as the concerned mom Deborah, and Kadijah Raquel, as the defiant daughter Lauren, light up the stage.

Written by Hansol Jung; Directed by Leigh Silverman; Starring: Francis Jue (Father), Peter Kim (Guk Minsung), Michelle Krusiec (Yoo Nanhee), Jaygee Macapugay (Wife/Chorus), Kendyl Ito (Daughter/Chorus)A South Korean man whose wife and children have moved to America for a better life is called a “goose father.” This is Minsung's fate. Deeply lonely, he becomes more and more detached from the every day and lives life online connecting with others only through social media. (This online life is beautifully and imaginatively staged.) Nanhee, a young North Korean defector, is also lonely and adrift as well as deeply guilty for leaving her aging father behind. These two damaged souls meet on a dating site, but struggle to admit they're falling in love. While he's haunted by his estranged wife & daughter, her dreams and waking hours are haunted by her aging, abandoned father. This is a sad, yet funny, beautiful tale of modern love and woe.

Just in time for Turkey Day, a Lakota Indian has written a Thanksgiving Day farce: a group of white, liberal-minded educators at an elementary school bungle their way through the process of creating a Thanksgiving pageant to celebrate Native American Heritage Month. While the well-meaning-but-clueless bunch try to get their (the) act together, mayhem ensues. They hire a Native American actor who turns out not to be. To create culturally-sensitive scenes, they improv politically-incorrect sketches. Their due-diligence research--instead of unearthing cozy tales of Pilgrim-Indian meal sharing--reveals all the atrocities committed against indigenous peoples. Beneath the high jinx and belly laughs, playwright Larissa FastHorse, a member of the Sicangu Lakota nation of South Dakota, lays bare the sorry truth: indigenous peoples have rarely been included in history, at the table, or on stage.RAGS PARKLAND SINGS THE SONGS OF THE FUTUREArs Nova, 511 West 54th St; arsnovanyc.com; Until Nov.10, 2018

RAGS' cast (photo: Ben Arons Photography)

Book, Music & Lyrics by: Andrew R. Butler; Directed by Jordan Fein; Starring: Andrew R. Butler (Rags Parkland), Stacey Sargeant (Beaux Weathers), Rick Burkhardt (Rick), Tony Jarvis (Gill), Jessie Linden (Devo), & Debbie Christine Tjong (Ess Pinvint) There seems to be a trend of musicians creating performance art pieces and calling it theater. First, The Bengsons; now, the multi-talented Andrew R. Butler with RAGS PARKLAND. While the music is wonderful and there is a storyline--about life in a dystopian future--it's not what would be traditionally referred to as "theater." So, if you're looking for character development, plot arcs, and dramatic denouement, you'll be disappointed. But, if you’re open to an evening of spirited folk-rock tunes sung by an engaging group of performers, you'll have a great time at this disarmingly-charming show.Ars Nova presents an amazing array of groovy productions. Their mission is to support unique theater, music, and comedy artists in developing surprising new work. If Ars Nova is not on your entertainment radar, it should be!OctoberFor AdultsINTRACTABLE WOMAN:A Theatrical Memo on Anna Politkovskaya 122CC, Second Floor Theater, 150 First Ave (at 9th St); Until Oct.14, 2018

Written by Stefano Massini (Translation by Paula Wing); Directed by Lee Sunday Evans; Starring: Nadine Malouf, Nicole Shalhoub & Stacey Yen Anna Politkovskaya was a Russian journalist, whose nerves of steel, compelled her to report on the atrocities of the war in Chechnya, coupled with Soviet government suppression. For these acts of bravery, she was murdered in Moscow in 2006. While Russia tried to silence her with death, her words live on. INTRACTABLE WOMAN is playwright Stefano Massini's effort to give her back her voice. Anna's story is brought to life by three young, commanding performers: Nadine Malouf, Nicole Shalhoub, and Stacey Yen. Speaking truth to power is always risky, but in some places in this world, it's also life threatening. It's especially perilous for journalists working to uncover corruption in oppressive regimes. Yet, reporters continue to investigate, feeling duty--and perhaps morally--bound to reveal the depravity and dishonesty. The Play Company (PlayCo) presents way-cool, international plays with unique points of view and out-of-the-ordinary stagings, expanding theatrical horizons. Theater lovers check out this show as well as PlayCo's other fascinating, upcoming productions.

THE MAN IN THE WOMAN’S SHOES & I HEAR YOU AND REJOICEIAC, 553 West 51st St (near 11th Ave); Until Oct. 21, 2018Written & Performed by Mikel Murfi

If you'd like to travel to a quaint, Irish village without leaving New York, here's your chance. With these one-man shows, acclaimed Irish writer and performer Mikel Murfi brings an entire Irish parish to life--townsfolk and farm animals alike--revealing their joyful and bittersweet daily existence. While the characters are a tad stereotypical--you almost expert Murfi to start chatting with a Leprechaun--they are charmingly so. You'll be pining for a pint of Guinness by the end of the show. These companion plays, The Man in the Woman’s Shoes & I Hear You and Rejoice, are performed in repertory. The plays stand alone, so you could see either one. But, if you'd like to see both, I'd recommend starting with Shoes.Irish Arts Center (IAC) is a treasure-trove of Irish cultural activities. Throughout the year attend plays, concerts, dance performances, films, lectures and readings.

For Kids

BEAUTY AND THE BEASTNew Victory Theater (209 West 42nd St); Until Nov. 11, 2018, For ages 6 & up

Presented by New International Encounter (NIE) with Cambridge Junction & Tobacco Factory Theatres; Directed by Alex Byrne; Starring: Martin Bonger (The Beast), Sara Lessore (Isabella), Elliot Davis & Samantha Sutherland (Anastasia & Latrice), Ben Tolley (Maurice Le Grange)You may have taken your children to see Beauty and The Beast before, but this pared-down staging is so enchanting and delightful, it puts other versions to shame. The re-telling of this now famous tale is done with such giddy glee by this engaging, energetic troupe of actors/musicians that children and their parents will be utterly enthralled.Editor's Note: In addition to this wonderful stage version, introduce your children to Jean Cocteau's fabulous film, La Belle et la Bête (1946), far better than Disney's.TINGA TINGA TALESNew Victory Theater (209 West 42nd St); Until Oct. 20, 2018, For ages 4-7

Nobody does a better job than The New Vic at introducing kids to all types of performances--plays, musicals, circus, etc.--and familiarizing them with different cultures from around the world. Up now is Tinga Tinga Tales, a lively and colorful musical from Kenya. Your kids can sing- and dance-along to upbeat African rhythms as they meet a very friendly bunch of jungle animals--all with great singing voices--who recount some tall, African folk tales. The show is based on the popular books and international cartoon series. If you're a parent with young children, get a family subscription to all The New Vic's amazing shows.

You've been to the movies before, but not like this! CMX CinéBistro is the newest, coolest concept for movie fans--offering a luxurious dinner-and-a-movie experience--that's perfect for date night or any night. First, the six movie auditoriums range from an intimate 50 to 60 seats like being in your own private projection room. The oversized, reclining seats have foot/leg rests and private tray tables like traveling first-class in an airplane! The look and sound of the films is sharp and crisp. The theater’s tasty menu, designed by chef Isaac Stewart, has everything from a simple salad and sandwich to interesting appetizers such as Duck Machaca to delicious entrées like Shrimp Fried Rice or Pan Seared Salmon, followed by creamy desserts. There's an assortment of fine wines and handcrafted cocktails. And, yes, popcorn and candy. All of these items are brought right to your seat by very friendly and professional servers. This is such a delightful, movie-going experience, you won't want to leave at the end of the film. But, you can head to the lounge for a drink! The Lowdown: Go to the CMX website, pick & pay for your film and seat selection. Arrive 30 minutes before showtime to order & enjoy the in-theatre dining experience. Here's another great feature: No kids allowed at evening screenings; must be 21+ to get in after 6pm. (Ticket Cost: Daytime, $17; Week Nights, $20; Weekends, $25)

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Art and nature lovers, Beacon, NY--overlooking the magnificent Hudson River--is a great spot for a day trip or weekend get-away. Located in the Hudson Valley's Dutchess County, it's an easy train ride from New York City.ARTSY BEACON Dia:Beacon

Dia: Beacon (photo: Laura Asaibene)

3 Beekman St, Beacon, NY; Tel: 845 440 0100; www.diaart.orgIn a beautifully-renovated, 1920's factory building, the Dia Art Foundation’s minimalist art collection, from the 1960's to the present, takes center stage in wide-open galleries with huge, beautiful windows and skylights. On display are works by such renowned modern artists as Dan Flavin, Richard Serra, and Louise Bourgeois. There are changing exhibitions, gallery talks, and other special events (also a café).

211 Fishkill Ave; https://bit.ly/2Mr0dxi (Open: Thurs-Sun, 12pm-7pm & 2nd Saturday) - The galerist Ethan Cohen has turned a huge, former high school into a wonderful space to promote art and culture with galleries and studio spaces for local and international artists. There are also occasional lectures, performances, and film screenings.

Second Saturday (https://bit.ly/2MpCkX4) - Each month on the 2nd Saturday, art galleries and shops stay open until 9pm. There are gallery openings, artist receptions, tastings, and other special events. Beacon Open Studios (April) - Check out all the local talent.

DINE & EXPLOREAny day of the week, stroll along Main Street to check out the selection of really nice cafés, shops, and galleries.

Weekend Extras: Beacon gets even livelier on weekends with a Sunday Farmer's Market (on Veterans Place next to the post office) and a Flea Market (April-Nov; behind the post office in the Henry St parking lot). Festivals: Strawberry Festival (June), Corn Festival (Aug), & Pumpkin Festival (Oct).Music: Towne Crier Cafe (379 Main St; townecrier.com) - Renowned for presenting American roots, jazz, and world music, plus great food. Quinn's (330 Main St; https://bit.ly/2LdkReL) - Live music & good Japanese food.

ART WITH A SPLASH OF NATUREThe late-great, legendary folk singer, activist, and Beacon resident Pete Seeger, led the charge to clean up the polluted waters of the Hudson River. Here are some ways to enjoy the results. The pier and these riverfront parks are right by Beacon's Metro-North train station:

Clearwater sloop (photo:Anthony Pepitone)

Clearwater (https://bit.ly/1LQFeZY; April thru October) - Go for a sail on the Clearwater sloop or the schooner Mystic Whaler.Scenic Hudson's Long Dock Park (https://bit.ly/2hnZIkc) - Go kayaking, paddleboarding, or rent a bike in this lovely spot. Pete & Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park - Dare to take a dip in the Hudson (River Pool) or just play volleyball or tennis.

Bannerman’s CastleBannerman's Island; Tel: 800/979-3370; www.bannermancastle.orgWhile in Beacon, explore a picturesque island in the Hudson River. In 1901, Frank Bannerman, a zany Scottish-American munitions dealer, built a quasi-castle and residence for his family on Pollepel Island. Today, thanks to the Bannerman Castle Trust, you can check out the ruins. Pack a picnic and enjoy great views of the Hudson as well as the 20-minute ferry ride there & back. On some Sundays, there's also music. (Reservations required for all tours & special events. The ferry dock for Bannerman's Island is a 5-minute walk from the Beacon train station.)

Bannerman's (photo: JCarnegie)

Stay: There are a handful of lovely inns and boutique hotels such as The Roundhouse at Beacon Falls (2 East Main St; www.roundhousebeacon.com) - An historic property overlooking a waterfall, plus a nice restaurant with patio dining. Getting Around: The Beacon Free Loop (https://bit.ly/2Mpm7Rq; Mon-Sat, 6am-9pm) - Free rides from the Beacon train station to popular cultural sites such as Dia:Beacon, Main St., and the Mt Beacon trailhead.Getting There: Drive or train from New York (Grand Central), take Metro-North (Hudson line) train to Beacon, about an hour and a half. (The museum, ferry dock, riverside parks & Main St. are all in easy walking distance of the train station.)